People we love!

Jax Hamilton

Tell us a bit about you, your name, where you are from and how you came to be in the public eye?

Hello, I’m Jax Hamilton, I’m originally from London; a born and bred cockney, but now live in Christchurch.

In 2010, I applied for Series 2 : MasterChef NZ and 6 months after my application was accepted, I found myself standing in a studio in Auckland as a finalist. I came 2nd - talk about rollercoaster ride. From solo mother on benefits to Celebrity Chef / Media Personality.

Tell everyone how you came to know about One Mother To Another.

The founder, Christina Buckland, contacted me for a recipe for their fundraising cookbook EATS.

You get asked from ALOT of people for all sorts of endorsements and help - what made you choose One Mother To Another to give your time and energy into?

My brand Jax Hamilton Ltd, has a specific charity stance : Domestic Violence, Women and Children - poverty, hunger, illness. Also, my son was severely burned as a 5 year old and I have been that terrified Mother, in a hospital, sitting beside my sick child, thinking I was on my own. Scared, alone, emotional. Praying.

Who is in your family? Names? Ages?

Me 54. Jack 25. Tom 22. Pumpkin the cat 20 (or 88 cat years)

What is the best thing about being a Mother?

Knowing that when I’m no longer here, the world will benefit from 2 incredible humans, who I’m so very proud of. Let’s face it, our main job is to produce, grow and release fabulous humans into the world. They are our seeds.

What is the most important thing you want your kids to learn about the world?

Life is really big. Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. Live everyday as big as you can. Be adventurous. Lean into challenges. Believe in yourself. Lower your expectations of everyone else. Try to meet people where they’re at because you won’t always know. Always live your most authentic truth.

This is the Chocolate Frangipane Tart with Berries shared with us from Debbie, NICU Nurse Manager in Christchurch for EATS.


How do you relax?

Either a bath in the middle of the day with epsom salts and a few camomile tea bags. OR I’m learning the piano at the moment, so a couple of hours practicing. Or reading beneath the beautiful peach tree in my garden with the wind whispering gently through the leaves.

What’s your favorite book?

The Colour Purple - Alice Walker

Where do your passions lie?

People. Food. Music. Books. Words. Alone time.

Food is a massive part of your life - what is it about food and creating dishes and cooking, that makes you tick?

As humans, we are born of a recipe… 1 egg, etc., Life is a recipe, with the proper ingredients you can create what and how you like. What you curate and put into your life, is up to you, because if you choose bad ingredients, like a dish, the end product is never good.

Growing, cooking and eating food for me, my family, friends, community, is the greatest gift of all. It's an expression like no other. I feed the trees, veggies and plants in my garden and home. The birds that come to visit everyday. My neighbours and community. My sons every week. The homeless when I can. And most importantly I feed myself the best I can. Whether a divine whitebait pattie sandwich with incredible bread. Or a simple risotto, that has had the love stirred into it.

Who would be your dream dinner guest(s), and what would you cook for them?

My grandmother Esther, who died before I was born, but feel her presence every time, I’m sad or feel like giving up. I would make a saucepan of thick, fragrant chicken soup, filled with chunky wholesome ingredients and a magical depth of flavour. And together we’d hold our hot bowls with both hands. Bring them to our chests, blow on the spoons, sip, talk, cry, laugh and be fulfilled.

Christina and Jax having fun at an EATS photoshoot day
Photo credit - Angela @God's True Beauty

Everyone has a better side. My life is not in my hands, so I should make the best of everyday. Calm is a super power.

What are some things you really believe in?


What does the world need less of?

War. Hunger. Poverty. Ego.

You were a massive part of the making of the One Mother To Another fundraising cookbook - EATS. Do you have a favorite recipe in there?

I’m not much of a dessert / cake fan, so when I do have it, I like a lot of flavour and personality. There’s a Chocolate Frangipane Tart, made with ground cardamon. It’s delicious, gluten free, light and divine. I use that quite a lot when I want to treat myself or when friends are coming over.

What do you think is the most valuable thing One Mother To Another does?

Gently pulls hope into a room, when all believe it has stopped at the door.

How can people learn more about you and follow along with your journey?

Either engage me as Key Note Speaker - I tell my story in this forum. Or head to